Are Our Priest's In A Popularity Contest?

Salena · Jul 23, 2004

The attached is from EWTN’s “Question and Answer”
Mrs?Ms Doris’ question:

Dear Father,
Why is it our priest to not put an end to disrespectful clothing worn to church. Last Sun.a girl in her late teens or early twenties had a very short skirt on and a top with string like straps with a large tatoo on her back sitting a couple rows in front of us. The lady with her could have been her friend or grandmother. I got very upset that a young woman would come into church like that. I remember when there was a sign up at the rectory years ago saying no slacks allowed. What has happend over the years that we just don’t have respect for Gods home. The answer I get is be glad they are in church. Am I wrong in my thinking?

Thank you,

God bless you.

Happy Easter
Doris

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 04-02-2004:
Dear Doris, American consensus is one of toleration, multiculturalism, permissiveness. We are not to correct anyone else who does what he wants as long as he is not hurting anyone else. And in turn everybody else is permitted to do what he wants without criticism or correction from another. I am sure that young lady lives according to this standard or lack of standard. What can I say? If a priest would correct her, she may take off in high dudgeon never to return to Church for 30 yeats. I sometimes ask a woman in Church to be bold enough to confront such a dresser with kindness since some girls might respect another woman’s judgment rather than that of any male. God bless. Fr. Bob Levis

Am I wrong or is this priest a coward? It seems to me he is trying to take the burden from himself and place it on our shoulders. Am I bold enough? Sure am I, but is it my place?
I am sick of going to Mass and seeing women half-naked, while my family and myself are trying to worship. The priest smiles and says nothing. If it’s a distraction for me I can only imagine what a distration it must be for a man. All I’m asking is that he comment on this at the podium or in the bullentin. (and every week if he has too!!!)
I’ve raised two children and am now raising a another. Is it my place to confront these women? Is the priest suppose to sit back while we do his business?
In my opinion, I’ve got my job and he’s got his. He doesn’t raise my children and I’m not going to even begin to try to care for “his sheep” in the way he is suppose to. I can dress sexy if I choose to, but that’s not the point. Is Mass the place to do this and is it my job to confront these women who do? Absolutely not!!!
Priest’s should not be a popularity contest, but that’s what is has become. We truly need more Father Corapi’s who are not afraid to take a stand.
I’m so frustrated I could spit!!!

misericordie · Jul 23, 2004

Findnmway:

The attached is from EWTN’s “Question and Answer”
Mrs?Ms Doris’ question:

Dear Father,
Why is it our priest to not put an end to disrespectful clothing worn to church. Last Sun.a girl in her late teens or early twenties had a very short skirt on and a top with string like straps with a large tatoo on her back sitting a couple rows in front of us. The lady with her could have been her friend or grandmother. I got very upset that a young woman would come into church like that. I remember when there was a sign up at the rectory years ago saying no slacks allowed. What has happend over the years that we just don’t have respect for Gods home. The answer I get is be glad they are in church. Am I wrong in my thinking?

Thank you,

God bless you.

Happy Easter
Doris

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 04-02-2004:
Dear Doris, American consensus is one of toleration, multiculturalism, permissiveness. We are not to correct anyone else who does what he wants as long as he is not hurting anyone else. And in turn everybody else is permitted to do what he wants without criticism or correction from another. I am sure that young lady lives according to this standard or lack of standard. What can I say? If a priest would correct her, she may take off in high dudgeon never to return to Church for 30 yeats. I sometimes ask a woman in Church to be bold enough to confront such a dresser with kindness since some girls might respect another woman’s judgment rather than that of any male. God bless. Fr. Bob Levis

Am I wrong or is this priest a coward? It seems to me he is trying to take the burden from himself and place it on our shoulders. Am I bold enough? Sure am I, but is it my place?
I am sick of going to Mass and seeing women half-naked, while my family and myself are trying to worship. The priest smiles and says nothing. If it’s a distraction for me I can only imagine what a distration it must be for a man. All I’m asking is that he comment on this at the podium or in the bullentin. (and every week if he has too!!!)
I’ve raised two children and am now raising a another. Is it my place to confront these women? Is the priest suppose to sit back while we do his business?
In my opinion, I’ve got my job and he’s got his. He doesn’t raise my children and I’m not going to even begin to try to care for “his sheep” in the way he is suppose to. I can dress sexy if I choose to, but that’s not the point. Is Mass the place to do this and is it my job to confront these women who do? Absolutely not!!!
Priest’s should not be a popularity contest, but that’s what is has become. We truly need more Father Corapi’s who are not afraid to take a stand.
I’m so frustrated I could spit!!!

YES, i think he is. Sorry if this is surprising to some, but the Church is not an American political scenario. The Church is UNIVERSAL, and Modesty, and Chastity, and proper dress IS mentioned in the NEW Catechism of the CHurch. Thank God, some priest I know(including one with a S.T.L. degree in dogmatics frm the Gregorian, and a MA degree in clinical psychology from NYU, (pastor) WOULD and HAS mentioned that. He says it is his job to say truth as the church defines it, and that respect to God is ABOVE any human respect. If feelings versus the salvation of souls, I go with the salvation of souls. If a person is offended and immature to leave the Church because a priest or lay person does fraternal correction as per thier beach clothing at Mass, well it is on their soul if they leave the church for 30 years. Tough cookies. Judas heard the word of God, but decided he did not want to obey too.

bengal_fan · Jul 23, 2004

are we putting this thread in every forum?? it seems you have time to post in more than one place. i am not trying to be rude, but your post just seems so full of bitterness as well as your response to me in one of the other forums. maybe becoming a mentor to a younger woman would help you to feel the ability to be more loving. dealing with some one who is not a screaming 6 year old does wonders for the psyche of a hard working mother and wife.

misericordie · Jul 23, 2004

Findnmway:

The attached is from EWTN’s “Question and Answer”
Mrs?Ms Doris’ question:

Dear Father,
Why is it our priest to not put an end to disrespectful clothing worn to church. Last Sun.a girl in her late teens or early twenties had a very short skirt on and a top with string like straps with a large tatoo on her back sitting a couple rows in front of us. The lady with her could have been her friend or grandmother. I got very upset that a young woman would come into church like that. I remember when there was a sign up at the rectory years ago saying no slacks allowed. What has happend over the years that we just don’t have respect for Gods home. The answer I get is be glad they are in church. Am I wrong in my thinking?

Thank you,

God bless you.

Happy Easter
Doris

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 04-02-2004:
Dear Doris, American consensus is one of toleration, multiculturalism, permissiveness. We are not to correct anyone else who does what he wants as long as he is not hurting anyone else. And in turn everybody else is permitted to do what he wants without criticism or correction from another. I am sure that young lady lives according to this standard or lack of standard. What can I say? If a priest would correct her, she may take off in high dudgeon never to return to Church for 30 yeats. I sometimes ask a woman in Church to be bold enough to confront such a dresser with kindness since some girls might respect another woman’s judgment rather than that of any male. God bless. Fr. Bob Levis

Am I wrong or is this priest a coward? It seems to me he is trying to take the burden from himself and place it on our shoulders. Am I bold enough? Sure am I, but is it my place?
I am sick of going to Mass and seeing women half-naked, while my family and myself are trying to worship. The priest smiles and says nothing. If it’s a distraction for me I can only imagine what a distration it must be for a man. All I’m asking is that he comment on this at the podium or in the bullentin. (and every week if he has too!!!)
I’ve raised two children and am now raising a another. Is it my place to confront these women? Is the priest suppose to sit back while we do his business?
In my opinion, I’ve got my job and he’s got his. He doesn’t raise my children and I’m not going to even begin to try to care for “his sheep” in the way he is suppose to. I can dress sexy if I choose to, but that’s not the point. Is Mass the place to do this and is it my job to confront these women who do? Absolutely not!!!
Priest’s should not be a popularity contest, but that’s what is has become. We truly need more Father Corapi’s who are not afraid to take a stand.
I’m so frustrated I could spit!!!

Again I AGREE with you. Though some may FEEL this offends some liberals, again I agree and you have all the right in the world to post your frustrations with laxity on the part of many priests throughout the world ESPECIALLY in the USA, where it seems all catholic-LAXITY begins on the part of higher ups in the church and the clergy.:clapping:

Salena · Jul 23, 2004

bengal_fan:

are we putting this thread in every forum?? it seems you have time to post in more than one place. i am not trying to be rude, but your post just seems so full of bitterness as well as your response to me in one of the other forums. maybe becoming a mentor to a younger woman would help you to feel the ability to be more loving. dealing with some one who is not a screaming 6 year old does wonders for the psyche of a hard working mother and wife.

I’m am truly sorry. I read back and you are right, I was rude to you. I could make a list of excuses, but I won’t do that. I do not usually lash out at people like that and I am sorry.
To answer you question: The reason I posted it here also is because I realized that the Apologetics forum was not the right place for it. I normally go to the Apologetics forum, so I just stuck it in there. Then I realized I should have put it here (or maybe in the Spirituality forum?). I mostly wanted to get the opinions of other women since we know how we as women think.
Please do accept my apology!
Gina

loyola_rambler · Jul 23, 2004

Gina, I can see your frustration, but I can also see the frustration of the priests who have to deal with this over and over again.

I once belonged to a wonderful parish where the priest was upfront with all young brides…from the very first meeting…in telling them that there was a dress code for brides in his parish and it included no visible cleavage and no bare shoulders. More than once he refused to allow a bride down the aisle until she covered up. There was a huge blow up and he was ordered to lower his standards. He instead offered his retirement. That’s when the A/D found out how much the entire congregation stood behind him. Unfortunately, it’s too often that the bishops are applying pressure to the priests to keep the pews filled, regardless of the poor appearance and preparedness of the people sitting there.

In my own experience as a mom, I always take an extra sweater into church just because one of the kids doesn’t like being chilly. I’ve been known to offer the sweater, however, to a young person who’s not properly dressed. Usually it’s just, “here, you might like to cover up and be comfy”. If they rebuff, then I usually just repeat it a little more “mom-like” and insist that I’d be saddened to see her without the sweater during mass. It’s a nice way of addressing the issue without offending anyone. That way, the young lady might also get the message that she needs to cover up when in the Lord’s house.

Salena · Jul 23, 2004

loyola rambler:

Gina, I can see your frustration, but I can also see the frustration of the priests who have to deal with this over and over again.

I once belonged to a wonderful parish where the priest was upfront with all young brides…from the very first meeting…in telling them that there was a dress code for brides in his parish and it included no visible cleavage and no bare shoulders. More than once he refused to allow a bride down the aisle until she covered up. There was a huge blow up and he was ordered to lower his standards. He instead offered his retirement. That’s when the A/D found out how much the entire congregation stood behind him. Unfortunately, it’s too often that the bishops are applying pressure to the priests to keep the pews filled, regardless of the poor appearance and preparedness of the people sitting there.

In my own experience as a mom, I always take an extra sweater into church just because one of the kids doesn’t like being chilly. I’ve been known to offer the sweater, however, to a young person who’s not properly dressed. Usually it’s just, “here, you might like to cover up and be comfy”. If they rebuff, then I usually just repeat it a little more “mom-like” and insist that I’d be saddened to see her without the sweater during mass. It’s a nice way of addressing the issue without offending anyone. That way, the young lady might also get the message that she needs to cover up when in the Lord’s house.

A very good tactic! I guess that’s one way of doing it without offending anyone.
You are right too that priests have so much on them. Maybe it’s the bishops we should be complaining to then?
It’s been years since I’ve attended a Sunday service at a Protestant Church. Do they have the same problem? I live in the South (bible belt) and I just don’t hear that being an issue with them. What are they doing differently?
Thanks!

Salena · Jul 23, 2004

misericordie:

Again I AGREE with you. Though some may FEEL this offends some liberals, again I agree and you have all the right in the world to post your frustrations with laxity on the part of many priests throughout the world ESPECIALLY in the USA, where it seems all catholic-LAXITY begins on the part of higher ups in the church and the clergy.:clapping:

If all the women in the Church would stick together on this we could have an impact, but I just don’t see that happening. Like you said, there are too many liberals in the Church today.
Loyola has a very good point…this needs to be addressed with the Bishops, but will it help?

Thanks and God Bless!

Anonymous · Jul 23, 2004

I am so glad this young woman found herself in church. What better place? I believe she is better off dressed like a prostitute in church than dressed like a saint in hell.

misericordie · Jul 24, 2004

loyola rambler:

Gina, I can see your frustration, but I can also see the frustration of the priests who have to deal with this over and over again.

I once belonged to a wonderful parish where the priest was upfront with all young brides…from the very first meeting…in telling them that there was a dress code for brides in his parish and it included no visible cleavage and no bare shoulders. More than once he refused to allow a bride down the aisle until she covered up. There was a huge blow up and he was ordered to lower his standards. He instead offered his retirement. That’s when the A/D found out how much the entire congregation stood behind him. Unfortunately, it’s too often that the bishops are applying pressure to the priests to keep the pews filled, regardless of the poor appearance and preparedness of the people sitting there.

In my own experience as a mom, I always take an extra sweater into church just because one of the kids doesn’t like being chilly. I’ve been known to offer the sweater, however, to a young person who’s not properly dressed. Usually it’s just, “here, you might like to cover up and be comfy”. If they rebuff, then I usually just repeat it a little more “mom-like” and insist that I’d be saddened to see her without the sweater during mass. It’s a nice way of addressing the issue without offending anyone. That way, the young lady might also get the message that she needs to cover up when in the Lord’s house.

This is so great, what a wonderful priest. He has…courage. My kind of priest. It’s good he did not fold, and instead offered his retirement. Brides and all else, cover up!!

misericordie · Jul 24, 2004

Anonymous:

I am so glad this young woman found herself in church. What better place? I believe she is better off dressed like a prostitute in church than dressed like a saint in hell.

I think it’s better to dress like a saint(to what we are all called) and then acting like a saint, Heaven can be atained.

Salena · Jul 24, 2004

Anonymous:

I am so glad this young woman found herself in church. What better place? I believe she is better off dressed like a prostitute in church than dressed like a saint in hell.

If you are speaking of one particular woman, yes I agree, but we are talking about grown women who have been raised in the Church who were taught better. The bible (especially thinking of St. Paul’s writings) speaks of being respectful towards others and Christ.

Anonymous · Jul 24, 2004

Findnmway:

If you are speaking of one particular woman, yes I agree, but we are talking about grown women who have been raised in the Church who were taught better. The bible (especially thinking of St. Paul’s writings) speaks of being respectful towards others and Christ.

Point taken.

Salena · Jul 26, 2004

Thanks for all your comments! I have learned some new ways of looking at this issue.
Thanks again
Gina

Are Our Priest's In A Popularity Contest?

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